What heating pads don't have auto shut-off?

[UrbanHenBilly]

Such a game changer, really. Amazing.

 

[MGG]

I can't wait to try it! @UrbanHenBilly did you use the same blue heating pad I was looking at?

 

[UrbanHenBilly]

Looks like it! I rigged it up today:

• Velcro attached to the underside of a 1/4 inch mesh frame
• I slit the cover to slide over the mesh
• I removed the foam liner
• Note that one side is much warmer than the other (at least with mine)
• I originally had it as a symmetrical curve like a quonset hut, but then bent it into more of the shape of an airplane wing cross section: large on once side, sloping towards flat on the other. They move around as they need.

Chicks are much happier than when under the lamp. I now have a 65W spotlight for daytime, but they are happily sleeping under the warm wing right now.

 

[UrbanHenBilly]

Was like this:

Now like this:

 

[MGG]

Was like this:
View attachment 2104899

Now like this:
View attachment 2104900

This and your list are super helpful! Thanks! What side is hotter? Could you post a pic of your setup by chance? Thanks again!

 

[UrbanHenBilly]

Unfortunately, I didn't really pay attention until after I took off the cloth and foam pad. I put my hand down and found one side was about twice the heat as the other.

I would think that it was the foam pad side, and that the foam diffuses the heat, making it more comfortable for the user.

So, what I did was:

• Took off the cover and discarded the foam
• Used velcro to attach the vinyl to the 1/4 inch mesh. It wasn't entirely stable, so I:
• Slit the cover enough to get through the mesh. It wasn't easy pulling it on, so I pulled it over similar to if you ever put a cover on a down comforter.
• That was still too loose, so I bunched up and tied the cover like a teenaged girl bunches up an oversized teeshirt.
• Note that I de-burred the mesh with a file so no one would get hurt before slipping the cover on.
• Now, we're talking. I shaped the mesh. It was good. But the chicks were still chirping a bit, maybe excitement, maybe cold.
• I laid that in the brooder, covered in wood chips. I didn't like the exposed mesh, so added a cloth placeholder for cover.
• So I reshaped. I notice that they're all bunched in the shortest corner with most contact. They'll grow out in time, but I'm glad I reshaped.

Everyone is sleeping quietly and contently. Kind of amazing, to be honest.

 

[UrbanHenBilly]

I will try to take pictures tomorrow so that this text makes sense.

 

[MGG]

Awesome! Thank you so much!

 

[UrbanHenBilly]

Photos: Note how the MHP is slanted, this allows chicks to decide how warm they want to be. When they get a bit bigger, I'll move to the classic, symmetrical shape.

The pad is mounted to the underside of the mesh with velcro, but I cut a slit in the cloth cover to secure it and pad the mesh. I added 2 layers of cloth (placemat and a tea towel) as insulation.

They are free to move around.

I also secured the extension cord for safety.

 

[aart]

Photos: Note how the MHP is slanted, this allows chicks to decide how warm they want to be. When they get a bit bigger, I'll move to the classic, symmetrical shape.

Or keep it flat for more contact area and raise the whole thing up.
Move away from back of box so they can get out that way if needed.